Rugby league reporter

All stars: Gavin Cooper in action during his side's win in the inaugural Auckland Nines final. The successful preseason tournament will be just one item on the agenda when the NRL meet to discuss the 2015 schedule. Photo: Hannah Peters

The NRL will consider having a two-week build-up to future grand finals in a bid to turn the NRL All Stars match into an event similar to the NFL's Pro Bowl.

NRL officials will meet next week to discuss the scheduling of the 2015 season, which will include the Auckland Nines, World Club Challenge and the All Stars match.

The idea of stretching grand final week into a two-week preparation has already been floated by Indigenous All Stars playmaker Johnathan Thurston.

The NFL Pro Bowl, which includes players not involved in the Super Bowl, is played a week before the showpiece event. It is understood Thurston isn't the only player who is behind the concept, with players across several clubs backing the idea of playing the All Stars in October.

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NRL head of football Todd Greenberg, who is in charge of the game's scheduling, said it was an option that would be considered at next week's meeting.

"It's possible for 2015, but it would take a huge amount of work and a lot of negotiation and consultation," he said.

"We've always said we'll look at things. You also have to understand that we're in the middle of a broadcast deal that goes through to '17. There are minimum applications that have to go with that. What we've always done is negotiated and talked with the players' union and the players and the clubs, so we're always open to new ideas like this weekend has shown.

"We'd look at it. We've got this, we've got All Stars to put back in the calendar as well. We haven't looked at dates but we'll do that after this weekend."

Grand final week is a busy time for clubs competing for the premiership trophy, jam-packed full of media, corporate and social commitments.

Most teams have to reduce their training workload due to the requirements of grand final week, but a two-week build-up to the decider would allow clubs to have an extended preparation.

The NRL All Stars was previously played as the official opening to the NRL season, but was taken out of this year's calendar because of the demand on players who played in the World Cup in November.

The Auckland Nines is locked in for the next four years, and given the success of the sold-out tournament at the weekend, it's unlikely the NRL will want to tinker with the event's schedule.

But with Eden Park's Cricket World Cup commitments next year – which runs in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29 – it is understood the Nines will have to be played in January.

"Whether they could do it sort of like the NFL – obviously the grand final teams have a week off and all the players who aren't playing in that game can be chosen for the All Stars that week," Thurston told NRL.com last month.

There is also a push to play a World Club Challenge series, which would involve six teams from the NRL and English Super Leagues, however the success of the Nines and the return of the All Stars match could put plans on hold.

The NRL is keen to expand the Nines tournament, with Super League clubs showing interest, and has flagged the idea of turning it into a six-week summer circuit to rival cricket's Big Bash League.

23 comments so far

How about having a two week build up to an NRL v ESL Super Final? The World Club Challenge has been gaining increasing interest over the past decade, and the upcoming match with the Roosters and Wigan looks like it'll be a cracker, but it still lacks a bit of credibility given that it's so long after each competition's respective final and also after player transfers have taken place.

With the English Super League being more or less concurrent with the NRL, why don't they try and get their seasons to match up rationalise the two major Rugby League competitions to crown a "world" (yeah, I know - but it still has more credibility than the NFL "world" champs) champions??

You could alternate the home ground each year. If you did it right it would be a heck of an event - a proper Rugby League Super Bowl.

Commenter

Dan

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 8:29AM

Glad you mentioned the alternating home ground thing. Its the only think that sticks in my craw about the WCC.

Commenter

Bear Hunter

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 10:23AM

Would have to be played after the grand final and I agree sounds good. But only one on field referee please.

Commenter

Michael

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 12:23PM

One word. Dumb.

Commenter

Jack

Location

Sydney

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 9:07AM

Are you serious?! Its a great idea! Typical comment from a Sydneysider.

For non-Syd NRL fans if their team makes the Grand Final, having 2 weeks gives much-needed prepration time to attend the game. And will ensure its a sellout. Not all NRL grandfinals are sellouts.

Commenter

CanberraChap

Location

Canberra

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 9:49AM

Explain why, Jack.

Commenter

TK

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 9:59AM

Dumb indeed. Why would anyone get excited about the non grand final players forming a team? Unless there were all players available and fans hadn't seen any footy in months ie the pre season. And what if there is a suspension in a semi and the player gets picked for all stars so it uses up a week and he can then play in GF??A lot wrong with the idea.

Commenter

Matt

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 11:51AM

The GF is the pinnacle of our game, the players play week in week out, a two week break helps no one except Channel 9. We always want more.. eg calls for bigger 9’s comp.Why do we have to constantly look to the US for ways of tweaking our game that is doing well? Agree with others comment that State of Origin is our all star game. Add in ANZAC Test, Tri Series. We have enough. Don’t be greedy.

Commenter

Jack

Location

Sydney

Date and time

February 17, 2014, 1:45PM

Two words - Dumb Jack!It's a great idea. Proper preparation time for the 2 GF teams. An extra huge game for the fans. Play the AllStars at a different venue each year (Brisbane, GC, Melbourne, Townsville, Sydney etc) and the NRL GF stays in Sydney.Would be huge for TV ratings too.

Commenter

Scotty

Date and time

February 18, 2014, 6:42AM

Isn't there already an all stars game played there times a year called the State Of Origin?